One of my earliest Manhattan memories is walking into KSU Stadium in the second half (without a ticket), having our pick of seats on the wooden benches carved with seat numbers.
I lived the “greatest turnaround in college football history,” attended bowl games, pep rallies, tailgates and had a wardrobe dominated by purple for almost 35 years. The three seats we had in the long gone Family Section in the South End Zone has transformed into a takeover of our row with a new generation of loyal K-State fans.
I have attended games while battling morning sickness, super pregnant waddling down the stairs, with a baby strapped to my chest, with potty-training toddlers and with big kids who definitely come for the snacks.
This season I’m excited to attend with a 13, 10, 2 and 2 year old. There is nothing that brings me greater joy than a toddler voice singing the fight song with the confidence of a true Wildcat.
Here are my tried and true rules for attending a K-State football game with kids… and actually enjoy it!
Rules for Attending K-State Football Games with Kids
Rule #1: Know the Stadium Rules
There are specific rules about bags, food and beverage and other items you might find necessary when bringing kids to the game. Here are some common ones that are must-know for moms.
- Diaper bags are only allowed in a stadium-approved clear bag. Check the guidelines here.
- Breast pumps and supplies are permitted in Bill Snyder Family Stadium, as long as they are carried in a dedicated bag specifically for the pump, which will be searched and tagged as a medical bag, or in a clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bag measuring 12” x 6” x 12” or less.
- Food, drink or medical supplies necessary for childcare are allowed
- Unopened (sealed) water bottles are allowed.
- Strollers can be brought in but standard or umbrella only. Leave the jogger at home.
Rule #2: Utilize the Family Friendly Services
When I was pumping for my first baby, the nursing room was a closet with metal folding chairs. But stadium renovations and no doubt pressure from K-State loving mamas, has led to great improvements! The nursing rooms are located on the west concourse between Gates A and B near the women’s restroom and the south concourse near the women’s restroom. They are equipped with nursing friendly comfy chairs, curtain dividers, a big screen with the game on, and diaper changing station. You will likely see the same mamas each Saturday so you might even make a friend!
There are also family restrooms with diaper changing stations near regular restrooms.
Rule #3: Embrace the Entertainment Beyond Football
You might be there for the game, but there’s a mascot to find, a band to clap along to, cheerleaders to watch and a Wabash Cannonball to learn. There’s always shirtless college students that will likely launch a conversation about what college is really like.
Rule #4: Snacks, Snacks and Snacks
Friends, I know you spent a fortune on your tickets but this is not the time to say no to snacks! I have never had trouble bring in a stash of applesauce and goldfish for a young toddler but the big kids won’t believe we actually attended a football game if they don’t leave with purple tongues from K-State kettle corn. We do bring in empty water bottles to fill up at bottle filler stations, which saves a few bucks.
Rule #5: Sanity Over Sports
I proudly accept the challenge of taking my kids to games. I also have learned that there are no awards for making it to the last tick of the clock and playing of “Happy Trails.” Pouring rain or unbearable wind chill are non-starters. A decade ago, I would have strapped on a baby carrier underneath a plastic poncho and gone for it. Growing up, our family stayed til the bitter end — no matter what.
But, four kids later, I have accepted it’s just a game. If we make it to 75 percent of the games, those purple and white core memories will still be in place. There’s no shame in watching a game or two from my comfy couch while my toddler naps peacefully in a crib if it saves my sanity. Sanity over sports.
K-State football games are such a significant part of my childhood memories, and watching my kids grow up in purple on Saturdays, is becoming one of my favorite memories as a mom!
